Speaking Out For Free Software In India

inode_buddha writes "We all know how RMS and Bill Gates toured India recently, with mostly mixed reviews. The reviews don't seem so mixed after reading this memo regarding the use of software in Indian schools... and it's interesting how quickly these people pick up on the business. IMHO, this letter ranks up there with the Peruvian Congressman's letter to Microsoft in clarity and impact. People worldwide are beginning to wake up, and this needs to be shouted from the (networked) hills... "

Comments

Troubling...

[Anonymous Coward]

I am a user and advocate for Free Software. Many tasks I need to perform I can perform cheaply and efficiently with OpenBSD and X-Windows.

However, I'm concerned with the possibility that those who seek to convince India to adopt an open source solution might actually succeed. While Microsoft software (and an array of polished software, purchased seperately) is certainly more expensive for us to procure, it sounds like the deal they are making for the schools will give them something that is complete and easy to use and maintain.

Having done a great deal of research into TCO (total cost of ownership), I conclude that Microsoft is actually offering the better deal. The expense of maintaining a Free Software solution, in their situation where they have to patch in their own language and work without a great deal of interconnectivity, eclipses the amount they would spend on the solution Microsoft can hand to them.

It's just one of those strange circumstances where free costs more than commercial. Advocacy of Open Source is definitely the good fight; irregardless, reading the memo reminds me that one must always focus on the larger picture.

Re:Too Bad

[eggsovereasy]

*scratches his head*